Professionals in trauma-heavy roles experience emotional highs from crisis intervention, creating a strong sense of purpose. However, prolonged exposure leads to secondary trauma and emotional exhaustion.
Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is the emotional toll of exposure to others' traumatic experiences. It differs from direct trauma, manifesting through empathy and absorbed emotions.
Psychologist Charles Figley notes that while empathy draws professionals into trauma work, it also renders them susceptible to compassion fatigue and emotional overload.
To manage the impact of trauma, professionals must cultivate self-awareness, enforce emotional boundaries, prioritize self-care, and take regular breaks to prevent burnout.
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